Carton



B. G. SELLE June 4, 1963 CARTON 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 16, 1961 INVENTOR. BERNARD G. .SELLE ATTORNEY B. G. SELLE June 4, 1963 CARTON 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 16, 1961 INVENTOR. BERNARD G. SELLE ATTORNEY B. G. SELLE June 4, 1963 CARTON s Sheets- Sheet 3 Filed June 16, 1961 B. G. SELLE June 4, 1963 CARTON 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 16, 1961 INVENTOR. BERNARD G. SELLE ATTORNEY B. G. SELLE June 4, 1963 CARTON 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. BERNARD G. SELLE Filed June 16, 1961 ATTORNEY United States Patent 6*" 3,092,301 CARTGN Bernard G. Selle, Odessa, Tex., assignor of one-half to Thomas I. Sheridan, Jr., Frank M. Donahue, William F. Roden, and Ernest M. Schur Filed June 16, 1961, Ser- No. 117,577 6 Claims. (Cl. 229-51) The invention, generally, relates to packages and more particularly to a new and improved reusable carton for containing crushable articles, such as cigarettes.

Today there is a wide variety of products packaged in groups of various numbers but sold either by the package or by the individual article. While the carton of the present invention is adaptable for use in containing a wide variety of articles, a preferred form of the carton is adapted particularly for containing packages of cigarettes, and a principal object of the invention includes a structural arrangement to permit the selling of the cigarette packages either in the novel carton or in the novel half carton.

It is also a principal object of the invention to provide a reusable carton for containing cigarettes and the like in individual groups of five packs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton with at least two receptacles, each reusable as such and both arranged symmetrically about a hinged edge.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a carton blank of such form that all printed advertising may be applied to one surface of the blank, and after the blank is folded, all printing will appear only on the external surfaces of the carton.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reusable carton which requires no or little change in existing tax stamping and cigarette packaging machinery.

A further object of the invention is to provide a carton having two separable and independently reusable receptacles, each receptacle being dimensioned to contain one-half the number of cigarette packs in the usual standard car-ton.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a receptacle dimensionally suited to contain five packs of cigarettes and uniquely constructed to oifer protection against crushing of the individual packs.

Briefly, a preferred form of the invention embodies a carton having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, the receptacles being substantially identical and each having front, back, bottom and sides preferably integral with each other along their respective lines of intersection. A top panel is integral along one of its edges to a predetermined one of the panels referred to above, and the two receptacles of each carton are hinged together along a line of intersection between predetermined corresponding panels.

For a more complete understanding of these and other objects of the present invention, reference may be had to the description which follows and to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the novel cigarette carton having two separable receptacles, the receptacles being joined along tearable line x-x for ease of separation;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the two receptacles separated;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank used to form the carton shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 1 but showing the line of intersection xx along a different edge between the individual receptacles;

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective of the carton shown 3,092,301 Patented June 4, 1963 in FIG. 4 after it has been separated into its individual receptacles;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the blank to form the carton shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 1 but showing the line of intersection x-x along a different edge between the individual receptacles;

FIG. 8 is a view in perspective of the carton shown in FIG. 7 after it has been separated into its individual receptacles;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank to provide the carton shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a view in perspective of a carton in accordance with the invention having two separable receptacles joined along a line x-x;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the receptacles divided along the line x-x;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a blank to form the carton shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a view of another embodiment of the novel carton having four separable receptacles;

FIG. 14 is a view of the carton shown in FIG. 13 illustrating one line of separation;

FIG. 15 is a view of the carton shown in FIG. 13 illusnating another line of separation; and

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a blank to provide the carton shown in FIG. 13.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, a carton indicated generally by the numeral 29 is formed of two individual reusable receptacles 21 and 22 joined along the line x-x. The front panel of each receptacle 21 and 22 is identified by the numerals 5 and 6, respectively. These respective panels are also indicated in the blank shown in FIG. 3 by the same numbers.

The back panels are identified by the numerals 9 and 10, the end panels by the numerals 1, 2, 7 and 8, and the bottom panels are identified by the numerals 3 and 4. The top panels 11 and 12 are foldable over each receptacle, as flaps, to serve as closure members. Flap ends 1' and k, respectively, are connected to the top panel flaps 11 and 12 to permit the individual receptacles to be reused.

It should be noted that each receptacle has a minimum of four sealing tabs. For example, in FIG. 3 the blank for forming receptacle 21 comprises the four tabs a, c, e and g, and the blank for forming receptacle 22 comprises the four tabs [2, d, f and h.

During assembly of the carton the tabs, such as a, c, e and g, are fixedly attached or sealed to the adjacent panel so that every line of intersection between adjacent panels is sealed, with the exception only of the top panel flaps. By enclosing adjacent panel joints, substantial rigidity is imparted to each individual receptacle and, therefore, to the entire carton. Crushable articles, such as cigarettes, thus receive substantial protection in a carton constructed in accordance with the invention.

Further, it may be seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings that the lower half of the blank is symmetrical about line xx. A single stamp, therefore, will produce the entire blank from a sheet of material which is folded along the line xx.

While obviously any suitable foldable material may be used to form the carton of the invention, it is contemplated that the material in most instances will be paperboard.

Each of the two separable receptacles 21 and 22 is thus completely sealed along all lines of intersection between adjacent panels with the single exception of the top panel flaps. The carton 20, therefore, after packing may be handled by automatic machinery without the risk of its contents being crushed or accidentally discharged through the bottom of the carton, as might happen with receptacles having openable sides and bottom.

In the manufacture of cigarettes today, the individual packs are deposited in the cartons automatically by machine, the tax stamp is applied to each pack by machine, and the filled cartons are closed by machine. The carton of the present invention permits the continued use of this same machinery.

Moreover, the carton of the invention is constructed such that by tearing the separable receptacles apart along the junction line between the two receptacles, which line may be perforated if desired, two separate and individual packages of equal size are formed. The receptacles, once separated, provide two re-closable packages for dispensing articles and permitting reclosing of the cover for retention of the remaining articles.

At the present time, cigarettes are packaged either individually or by the carton, and the carton is the type of enclosure which must be destroyed upon opening. The present invention will stimulate the habitual purchaser of one or two articles to purchase at least one-half carton by providing a convenient package capable of easy storage, e.g. in a womens handbag, car glove compartment, etc. Further, each receptacle could be used in the home in place of the more expensive cigarette boxes, and because of its constructional strength retain its original attractive appearance.

Many articles may be packed in the novel container; for example, cigarettes, candies, bar soap, toilet tissues, cookies, crackers, etc.

The novel carton also enjoys the advantage of being foldable on itself, thereby reducing one dimension by half. This facility suggests new kinds of advertising schemes and lends itself to unique displays. In the way of advertising, for example, the two receptacles may be packed with two diiferent brands of cigarettes.

FIG. 6 of the drawings shows a blank from which is formed the carton shown in FIG. 4, and it will be noted that the lower half of'FIG. 6 is symmetrical about the line x-x. A principal distinction between the carton shown in FIG. 4 and that shown in FIG. 1 is that the hinge line x-x in FIG. 1 is along the upper edge of adjacent end panels, whereas the line x-x in FIG. 4 is arranged vertically along the rear edge of the two adjacent end panels 1 and 2.

The carton shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings is similar to that shown in FIG. 4, with the exception that whereas the hinge line x-x in FIG. 4 was along the rear vertical edge of the two adjacent end panels, in FIG. 7 the line x-x is along the forwardmost vertical line between adjacent receptacles. FIG. 9 shows the blank from which the carton in FIG. 7 is formed.

The blank in FIG. 12 is appropriate for forming the carton shown in FIG. 10, wherein the hinge line x-x is along the upper edge of adjacent front panels. In this form of the carton, the top panels'7 and 8am hinged away from each other as contrasted with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, for example. 7

In some instances, it may be desired to'hinge two novel cartons together, i.e., to provide four separable receptacles. This type of package would have particular appeal during holiday-seasons when the significance of advertising is amplified. For example, it may be desired to pack four different brands of a cigarette into the four receptacles of the hinged cartons (a sort of variety pack). FIGS. 13- 16 illustrate the construction of a carton of this form in accordance with the principles of the invention. 'In this embodiment, the blank is symmetrical about line yy as well as line x-x.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are' possible in the light of the above teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited in its applications to the above details of construction that are described and illustrated,

and that within the scope of the appended claims, it may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described or illustrated.

What is claimed is:

1. A carton having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, said receptacles being substantially identical, and each receptacle comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a top panel; said back panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said front panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said first end panel and said second end panel being fixedly united with said bottom, front and back panels, said top panel being formed integrally with said back panel along a line of intersection, a flap formed integrally with said top panel along a line of intersection opposite said last-mentioned line of intersection, and a predetermined one of said panels being formed integrally with the corresponding panel of the other of said two receptacles along a line of intersect-ion therebetween, said last mentioned line of intersection being scored to permit said two receptacles to be separated readily.

2. A carton having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, said receptacles being substantially identical and each receptacle comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a top panel; said back panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel on a line of intersection, said front panel being formed integrally with said bottom panelalong a line of intersection, said first end panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said first end panel being interconnected along corresponding edges spaced from said last mentioned line of intersection, said second end panel being formed integrally with the opposite edge of said bottom panel from said first panel, said top panel being formed integrally with said back panel along a line of intersection, and a flap formed integrally with said top panel along a line of intersection opposite said last mentioned line of intersection.

3. A carton having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, said receptacles being substantially identical, and each receptacle comprising a bottom panel,

a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a top panel; said back panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said front panel being for med integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, means fixedly uniting said first end panel and said second end panel with two of said bottom, front and back panels, said top panel being formed integrally with said back panel along a line of intersection, and a'predetermined one of said panels being formed integrally with the corresponding panel of the other of said two receptacles along a line of intersection therebetween, said predetermined panel comprising an end panel integral with the corresponding end panel of the other receptacle, and said latter mentioned end panels being integral with the respective back panels.

4. A carton having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, said receptacles being substantially identical, and each receptacle comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a top panel; said back panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said front panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, means fixedly uniting said first e'nd panel and said second end panel with two of said bottom, front and'back panels,

said top panel being. formed integrally with said back panel along a line of intersection, and a predetermined one of said panels being formed integrally with the. corresponding panel of the other of said two receptacles along a line of intersection therebetween, said predetermined panel comprising an end panel formed integrally with the corresponding end panel of the other receptacle, and said latter mentioned end panels being integral with the respective front panels.

5. A carton having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, said receptacles being substantially identical, and each receptacle comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a top panel; said back panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said front panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, means fixedly uniting said first end panel and said second end panel with two of said bottom, front and back panels, said top panel being formed integrally with said back panel along a line of intersection, and a predetermined one of said panels being formed integrally with the corresponding panel of the other of said two receptacles along a line of intersection therebetween, said predetermined panel and the corresponding panel formed integrally therewith comprising front panels attached together along a line of intersection at the uppermost edge thereof.

6. A pair of cartons, each pair having two separable receptacles formed from a single blank, said receptacles being substantially identical, and each receptacle comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a top panel; said back panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, said front panel being formed integrally with said bottom panel along a line of intersection, means fixedly uniting said first end panel and said second end panel with two of said bottom, front and back panels, said top panel being formed integrally with said back panel along a line of intersection, and a predetermined one of said panels being formed integrally with the corresponding panel of the other of said two receptacles along a line of intersection therebetween, said predetermined panel and the corresponding panel formed integrally therewith including at least a first line of intersection between the rearmost vertical edge of adjacent end panels and a second line of intersection between the upper edges of adjacent front panels to form four individual receptacles.

References t'lited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,318,124 Wright Oct. 7, 1919 2,596,331 Ferguson May 13, 1952 2,678,724 Andriot May 18, 1954 2,697,544 Morand Dec. 21, 1954 2,758,777 Dixon Aug. 14, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 739,899 Great Britain Nov. 2, 1955 OTHER REFERENCES German application, 1,079,540, printed April 7, 1960 (K1 81c 14). 

2. A CARTON HAVING TWO SEPARABLE RECEPTACLES FORMED FROM A SINGLE BLANK, SAID RECEPTACLES BEING SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL AND EACH RECEPTACLE COMPRISING A BOTTOM PANEL, A FRONT PANEL, A BACK PANEL, A FIRST END PANEL, A SECOND END PANEL, AND A TOP PANEL; SAID BACK PANEL BEING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID BOTTOM PANEL ONN A LINE OF INTERSECTION, SAID FRONT PANEL BEING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID BOTTOM PANEL ALONG A LINE OF INTERSECTION, SAID FIRST END PANEL BEING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID BOTTOM PANEL ALONG A LINE OF INTERSECTION, SAID FIRST END PANEL BEING INTERCONNECTED ALONG CORRESPONDING EDGES SPACED FROM SAID LAST MENTIONED LINE OF INTERSECTION, SAID SECOND END PANEL BEING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH THE OPPOSITE EDGE OF SAID BOTTOM PANEL FROM SAID FIRST PANEL, SAID TOP PANEL BEING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID BACK PANEL ALONG A LINE OF INTERSECTION, AND A FLAP FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID TOP PANEL ALONG A LINE OF INTERSECTION OPPOSITE SAID LAST MENTIONED LINE OF INTERSECTION. 